Optical Probe for Crude Fuel Fouling Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrocarbon mixtures are prone to solubility changes and hydrate formation, leading to pipeline blockages, fouling, and instability, which existing methods struggle to detect and mitigate quickly and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for detecting phase formation in hydrocarbon mixtures using a probe that measures parameters such as refractive index and relative permittivity, allowing for real-time monitoring and addition of additives to prevent fouling and instability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional detection methods are used for phase formation in hydrocarbon mixtures, then detection capability is limited, but response time is slow and cannot prevent pipeline blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical sampling and laboratory analysis methods with an optical detection system using a probe that measures refractive index and relative permittivity in real-time. This substitution enables continuous monitoring and rapid detection of phase formation, solving the contradiction between detection capability and response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical properties (refractive index and relative permittivity) as intermediary parameters to detect phase formation. These optical properties change when phases form in the hydrocarbon mixture, providing a reliable and rapid indication of fouling conditions without requiring direct mechanical intervention or time-consuming laboratory analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If additives are introduced to prevent phase formation, then stability of hydrocarbon mixture is improved, but cost of operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of hydrocarbon mixtureVSAvoidcost of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control system where the optical probe continuously monitors refractive index and relative permittivity, and this information feeds back to control the dosing of additives. Additives are only introduced when phase formation is detected, optimizing stability while minimizing unnecessary additive usage and operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary detection of phase formation trends through continuous optical monitoring, allowing preventive action to be taken before significant fouling occurs. This early intervention reduces the amount of additive needed compared to reactive treatment after blockages form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of time

If continuous monitoring is implemented to detect phase formation quickly, then response time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse timeVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a multi-functional probe that simultaneously measures both refractive index and relative permittivity using optical methods. This universal approach provides multiple detection capabilities in a single device, reducing overall system complexity while enabling rapid and reliable phase formation detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sampling systems, multiple sensors, and laboratory equipment with a streamlined optical detection probe. This substitution simplifies the monitoring system while achieving continuous real-time detection, resolving the contradiction between response time and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables rapid detection and prevention of phase formation, reducing the risk of pipeline blockages and fouling, and maintaining the stability of hydrocarbon mixtures by introducing additives as needed, thereby improving operational safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

detecting formation of a second phase in the hydrocarbon mixture with a first phase using data from a probe and a known property of the hydrocarbon mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefractive index: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

detecting formation of a second phase in the hydrocarbon mixture with a first phase using data from a probe and a known property of the hydrocarbon mixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRelative permittivity: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS9038451B2Optical method for determining fouling of crude and heavy fuels

Publication Date: 2015.05.26 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A method for detecting the formation of at least one phase in a mixture, particularly a hydrocarbon mixture. The method may include using a probe to expose a portion of the mixture to electromagnetic radiation to determine the value of a parameter of interest indicative of the formation of a phase. The method may also include using the value of the parameter of interest with a correlation between a known property of the mixture and the value of a parameter of interest to detect the formation of a phase.